PORT TOWNSEND — Although the Rhododendron Festival doesn’t start until May 10, supporters can enjoy a unique “fashion show” on Friday to help raise money for the 75th anniversary edition of the annual celebration.
In the “Dude Looks Like a Lady” fundraiser, men will model women’s clothes, dance and go through the audience soliciting funds for the cause.
It all starts at 6 p.m. at the Port Townsend Elk’s Club, 555 Otto St., and organizers hope to provide two to three hours of entertainment.
The first-time-ever show will cost $5 at the door.
Melanie Bozak, an organizer of the show, said it will be innocent fun.
“It’s not meant to be a strip show,” she said.
“This is just a bunch of ordinary guys who are willing to put on ladies’ clothes and dance around to raise money for the festival.”
Donations to specific models will be encouraged as each performs on stage and as he moves through the crowd.
Audience members will vote for their favorite models with their donations, and the model collecting the most money will be crowned the winner at the end of the evening.
The dads of the festival royalty are among the 16 men who have volunteered to dress up and act silly for an evening.
Larry Richards, stepfather of Rhody Festival Queen Ashlee Marie Nollette, and Bill LeMaster, father of Princess Teslin LeMaster, will be among the entertainers, Bozak said.
Also on stage will be Bozak’s husband, Steve.
Heels to fit
He stand 6 feet 4 inches tall and wears a size 12 shoe, so she despairs of finding a pair of heels to fit him.
“If I understand the way women’s shoes work, that’s a size 14,” she said.
“So I’m going to bring some flip-flops up for him and paint his toenails.”
Others planning to strut their stuff on the catwalk are Julian Arthur, Tom Carroll, Ramon Daily, Tony DeLeo, Steve Finch, Herb Franklin, Robert Hobbs, Don Hoglund, Jason Hollingsworth, Steve Spencer, John Stroeder, Jim Strong and Nate Taylor.
Ralph Hutchinson, who had the original idea for the show — will serve as master of ceremonies.
Volunteers are still needed — gentlemen only.
Those reluctant to be on stage can help by dressing up and serving beverages to audience members.
Goodwill is donating the clothing for the evening.
Volunteers picked out some of their apparel at a meeting Saturday, Bozak said.
Another meeting, for all who want to volunteer, is planned at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Elks Club.
Wigs, stoles, boas, jewelry and anything else to make the performers look good are all needed, as well, Bozak said.
For more information or to volunteer, phone Bozak at 360-385-0708 or Hutchinson at 360-379-8165.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
Managing Editor/News Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3531 or leah.leach@peninsuladailynews.com.